Monday, March 23, 2009

Birthday Banner

I've been wanting to make an English version of the Birthday banner, so a couple of weekends ago I put this together for my boyfriend's dad and brother. (The monkey had a little talk bubble in the finished version with the honoree's name.) One of the 10,000 things I love about felt is how quickly you can put things together, the bubble-gum cheery colors, and its fluffy, spongy feeling under your fingertips.

I didn't want to add backs or do a thing more than was absolutely necessary, so I just used mini clothespins to attach the squares to some fuzzy yarn. And masking-taped it to the wall. That's about my level of inspiration right now. But all in all, it was fun.

I'm still not 100% - but after talking to a few people who have gone through the same thing, I've realized you never really get over the death of a parent. It will always be hard. Among acquaintances, I avoid talking about him just because I don't want to be overcome and embarrass someone with my emotions. Everything reminds me of him and the strangest things make me cry - for instance the word "chicharron" since it was one of the last words I heard from him. He died one week before his birthday, so, after his funeral we threw him a birthday party. I know he would have appreciated that. Except he would have preferred there be scratch-offs. :)

I'm getting really excited seeing the buds on the trees and little green shoots poking out of the soil. It's still cold, but at least there's this feeling of excitement, something to look forward to. Springtime in Texas is so different from springtime in NY - it's nowhere near as cold, but the world does get very drab and gray each winter. It's one of the few times it rains all year. And Spring just bursts all over you - the air is so warm, almost tropical, and you just feel like everything is possible. In New York, it's more about sun, tulips, and sodden downpours. I can't wait for warmer weather. Bring on the Spring!

9 comments:

I happened upon your blog today (obviously a God incident) and was struck by your words about your father. My mother passed away on the 5th of this month and my hearts and breaks each and every day. I, too, think of her at almost every turn.

Dear little flower, when you lose a parent, you become a member of the club that no one wants to belong to, but that most of us will be members of someday. The one good thing--somehow after they pass, sometimes you might actually feel closer to that parent, like they visit you. I hope that isn't too spooky sounding, but distance separated me from my parents for 20 years, but now that they have passed, I feel them all around me. God bless you.Kathi

Hi Floresita!Thanks for inviting me to your flickr group for embroidery... I came by to check out your blog. I am so sorry to learn of your dad. I think it is wonderful that you are sharing so openly about your life. You have a beautiful family and, I wish you and yours the best through this difficult time.Sincerely, Rebecca